Outreach Programs

The Tacoma Astronomical Society provides its outreach programs, listed below, to schools, libraries scouting and guide groups, other societies, organizations and groups. The programs are free of charge but donations are welcome as it promotes our outreach work throughout the region. Some activities, especially observing demonstrations, depend on the weather.

All inquiries and requests for outreach programs can be made by contacting our Outreach Director, Ray Stinson, through either outreach@tas-online.org or by inquiring through a TAS meeting or member.

Program Title

Description

Age Group

Format

Solar Party

Solar viewing with solar filters. Safety is explained.

K to 12

Demonstration

Star Party

Learn about the night sky and view astronomical objects through telescopes.

All ages

Demonstration

Sky Search

Covers the constellations, how to find the North Star and learn to use a telescope.

K to Adult

Workshop and Demonstration

Telescopes

Learn the parts of a reflecting telescope and how to assemble a telescope. Learn about collimation. View astronomical objects.

5th Grade to Adult

Workshop and Demonstration

Stomp Rockets

An artful project to construct an air pressure launched rocket utilizing paperr, playing cards, paper clips and cellophane tape.

All ages

Workshop

Scale of the Solar System

Learn the meaning of distance within the solar system. Understand the different sizes of the planets. Requires 1.6 mile walk.

3rd Grade to adult

Workshop

Planispheres

Construct a star chart. Learn how to find the North Star. Learn the location of the 88 constellations. This is the most valuable astronomical tool for amateur astronomers.